At LWVMD's 2019 Convention we adopted a study of the initiative process. The initiative process allows voters to place a piece of legislation or a constitutional amendment on the ballot usually through a petition process, thereby circumventing the legislature. The process is allowed in over 26 states. Maryland has a veto referendum, which means, the voters can veto legislation passed by the MD legislature, but voters cannot initiate legislation. The state study will look at the initiative process then the research will be presented to our membership who will eventually evaluate through the consensus process whether LWVMD will take up a position on the initiative process in Maryland.

I only made coffee once, and it was for myself. This was my first internship and I was fully prepared to be going on coffee runs, filing and copying papers, and all of the other monotonous tasks that you often hear interns complain about. I was definitely in for a surprise! I had been on the lookout for a hands-on internship that would expose me to advocacy work and that would also teach me more about the nonprofit sector, and that’s exactly what I got as an intern with the League.

I got to spend my first day connecting with other active and involved people from nonprofits all over the state at Maryland Nonprofit’s Legislative Preview event. From that point on, I was constantly being exposed to fresh experiences that “kept me on my toes” to say the least...

June 2018 at the LWVMD Council meeting the board announced the creation of the Nancy Soreng Young Professional Advancement Fund. This fund is now live on our website and open for donations to support LWVMD’s efforts to engaged & advance young professionals in the spirit of Nancy Soreng, who has always provided guidance and mentorship to young League members, ensuring that LWVMD’s work endures for many generations to come.

First of all, I want to emphasize our continuing need for Report from State Circle reporters to cover Election Process and Transparency, subjects especially important for Making Democracy Work. If you or someone you know would be able and willing to cover these issues, please let me know. We could also use a reporter for gun control.

Second, a shout of thanks to the eight Leagues who responded with their local choices for LWVMD Legislative Priorities. With all the pre-election activities going on, I really appreciate the effort to respond on priorities. I will summarize what we have so far. The LWVMD Board will make its final decision on November 5. This gives other local Leagues a chance to respond by October 31.

The League of Women Voters of Maryland would like to extend a big congratulations to the newly recognized At-Large Carroll County League. We are excited to see this group grow and develop.

We now find ourselves in the midst of another election season. As with most organizations, the League of Women Voters has a membership that consists of three main groups: the core of leaders who keep the organization functioning, members who attend events and serve on committees, and our fabulous supporters who faithfully maintain their membership annually or contribute on a regular basis, because they believe in the League and what we are doing. Each group contributes to the essential work the LWV performs.